The last days of Dwaraka

Daruka met the Pandavas in Hastinapura and conveyed the news of the tragedy that took place in Dwaraka. The Pandavas were grief stricken. Arjuna immediately took leave of his brothers and proceeded to the city of his dear friend, Krishna, in the chariot driven by Daruka.

Arjuna was met by the loud wails of the wives of Krishna when he entered the city. The news of the death of their husband had, by then, reached them and immersed them in deep sorrow. They looked at Arjuna, the best friend of Krishna, with pleading eyes. Their lord had left them behind. There was none other than the Pandava who would look after them henceforth.

Meeting with Vasudeva

Arjuna went straight to meet his uncle (Kunti’s brother) and Krishna’s father, Vasudeva. He was already bed ridden with old age. The news of Krishna’s death had taken away any desire in him for further living.

Arjuna found Vasudeva in his bed with his eyes filled with tears. He wanted to get up and embrace Arjuna, but, was powerless to move. He simply raised his right hand and put it on Arjuna’s head by way of blessing.

The Yadava king addressed Arjuna and wailed over the death of his dear sons. “Look at the fate of my two sons who had defeated several mighty kings in their good days . I cannot bear the thought that I will not be able to see them any more. Those two dear friends of yours, Pradyumna (Kishna’s son) and Satyaki caused the destruction of the Yadava race. I have never heard Satyaki speak even a harsh word against Kritavarma in the past. It must be the curse of the venerable Gandhari and of the heavenly sages that made him speak in that manner.”

“There is no point in my going over these things any more. I am not going to live long after the death of my dear sons. Krishna has told me that you will be coming to take care of all those who are left behind. Take them with you to your place. This city, itself, is destined to go under sea as its protector, Krishna, has left this world.

Arjuna had to make an effort to control his own emotions. He managed to convey all that was necessary to be said in two sentences. “I also will not be able to live in Dwaraka without Krishna and you. Let me take the Yadavas who are left behind with me to Indraprastha.”

Arjuna’s preparations

Arjuna, then, asked Daruka to call an assembly of the prominent Yadavas who were still alive. When all gathered in the hall bearing the name of Sudharma he spoke. “I am going to take all of you, the people of Vrishni, Andhaka and the rest to Indraprastha. This great grandson of Krishna, Vajra, shall be your future king. It is told that this city, Dwaraka, of Yadavas is soon going to be submerged under sea. Collect all the vehicles and load them with whatever valuables you may have. We start on the seventh day from today when the sun rises.”

Arjuna slept in the house of Krishna that night.

The end of Vasudeva

The next morning brought the sad news that Krishna’s father had already breathed his last. That added one more tragedy to the heart breaking sequence of events. The four wives of the Yadava king, including Devaki (Krishna’s mother) and Rohini (the mother of Balarama) were grief stricken.

Arjuna had the added task of arranging for the cremation of his uncle, the lion of the Sauri race. The dead body was taken out in a procession in a vehicle that overflowed with flowers. Renowned Brahmins lead the procession chanting Vedic hymns in the front. The four wives of Vasudeva followed by Arjuna and others walked behind.

A funeral pyre was made ready at a place that was dear to the expired king. The body of Vasudeva was placed on the pyre and was lit. When the body was engulfed in flames the four wives of Vasudeva took permission of Arjuna and all others and entered into it, performing a Sati. It was a sad occasions for the residents of Dwaraka caused by the death of their king and of his queens.

Arjuna, keeping Vajra, the great grandson of Krishna, in front performed the last rites for the deceased. He also got the bodies of Krishna and Balarama and cremated them as well with due honour.

(To be continued)